Innovation, parental support keys to Turtle Rock success

First-grader Claudine Allen takes in an art lesson from a parent volunteer at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 12

First-grade classmates Matthew Yoon, left, and Mateo Wilkens-Huff work on an art project at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine. The program is completely run by parent volunteers. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

First-graders at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine put the finishing touches on a fish they made in an art class. The class is taught completely by parent volunteers. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 12

Students Alex Lu, left, and Seawoo Yoo work on an art project in their first-grade class at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 12

Turtle Rock Elementary School first-grade teacher Pauline Rosenthal hugs first-grade student Ria Yamaguchi at the end of the school day. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 12

Carlyna Torres raises her hand for some teacher guidance during a first-grade art lesson at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 12

Parent-volunteer Jennifer Wilkens was trained to run art lessons at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine. The school has a highly involved group of parent volunteers and a PTA that funds science and physical-education programs. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 12

First-grader Claire McKenna works on a fish painting in an art class run by parents at Turtle Rock Elementary School in Irvine. ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

IRVINE – When third-grade teacher Debbie Palmer heads toward the technology station in her classroom, she draws the eyes of every student.

The Turtle Rock Elementary classroom begins to buzz, as the students eagerly anticipate what their assignment will be.

The tech station, packed with 18 iPods, a pair of Flip video cameras, a laptop and an iPad, allows Palmer to target her instructional efforts at a level appropriate for each student – ensuring everyone faces the right academic challenge.

"This makes it able for me to not make it a cookie-cutter curriculum," Palmer said. "It's exciting. The kids just love it."

Palmer received funds for the iPods through grants from DonorsChoose.org, a website where teachers post their needs and donors choose whether to support them.

It's part of a brand of innovation and passion found throughout Turtle Rock Elementary, a school that consistently posts high academic scores and boasts a deeply involved parent community. It's an approach that has helped the school to a No. 2 ranking in the 2013 Register survey of Orange County's public elementary schools.

Turtle Rock has earned a gold medal in each of the Register's annual rankings since 2009, with test scores climbing steadily. But this year's marks only its second time cracking the top 10.

"Our scores are always in the top, regardless of changes. What doesn't change is what keeps scores high," Palmer said.

And what's that? The passion for education shared by Turtle Rock's staff and families.

"The thing about Turtle Rock is we have high expectations for everyone, no matter where they're coming from, no matter what their background is," said Principal Karen Catabijan, who has been at Turtle Rock for five years. "We have lots of programs that help them to succeed."

In some classes, students are grouped by their reading or math abilities. This gives struggling students personalized help from teachers, aides and parent volunteers, while more advanced students can learn in a larger group at a quicker pace.

Teachers assess the students' abilities throughout the year and adjust accordingly. Turtle Rock has 60 to 70 students in programs for disadvantaged students, Catabijan said.

"Our teachers will bend over backwards to provide what every child needs," Catabijan said.

Turtle Rock's students notice.

"The teachers are nice and patient and get to know you really well," said 10-year-old Sofia Stirone.

Sofia and classmates Ilana Cohen and Jordan Wheeler are in the fifth grade in Irvine Unified's Alternative Program for Academically Advanced Students. The program caters to those who think outside the box and enjoy more in-depth instruction. Though Turtle Rock hosts the program, student scores count at their neighborhood elementary school.

The girls are familiar with many of the parents who frequently volunteer in Turtle Rock classrooms.

Visitors will find parents grading papers, teaching, supervising and fundraising all year long, said PTA President Jodi Field. This year, the PTA numbers 700 – making the group nearly as large as the 875-student school.

The group's fundraisers help pay for classroom supplies, field trips, art and science programs, a physical-education specialist, health clerk and class projects.

"Without parent volunteers, we couldn't do a lot of these things," Palmer said.

Each teacher receives $22 per student each year from the PTA. This year, the group gave an additional $500 per class for field trips or to fund presentations from outside groups. Most of the money comes from the fall pledge drive and an annual jog-a-thon.

“There’s no way the teachers could do it alone,” Field said. “They need to have the support from the parents, IPSF (Irvine Public Schools Foundation) and the PTA because there’s not enough money.”

The PTA helps create a community around Turtle Rock by hosting family-friendly events throughout the year that help parents get to know each other and become more invested in the school.

“It doesn’t matter how much money you put into a school, if you don’t have the parent involvement it’s not going to gel,” said PTA Secretary Dianne Daucher, who volunteers in fifth grade teaching Gifted and Talented Education math.

“You feel like the school is a welcoming place and so do your kids,” Daucher said.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.